International bestseller Ruth Ware returns with this adrenaline-fueled thriller about a woman in a race against time to clear her name and find her husband’s killer.
Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their only suspect – her.
On the run and out of options, Jack must decide who she can trust as she circles closer to the truth in this unputdownable and heart-pounding mystery from one of the best thriller writers around today, Ruth Ware.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Zero Days gripped me from the first paragraph – the tension and suspense intensifying with every page. The story is fast-paced and unrelenting as Jack attempts to find a killer and prove her innocence while racing the clock to prevent a world-wide catastrophe. Ruth Ware has masterfully created characters the reader can relate to. I really connected with Jack’s character – I experienced her pain and grief, her outrage when accused of murder, her desperate search for answers to clear her name and her dogged persistence in overcoming obstacles. There were, however, a couple of times when I questioned Jack’s ability to continue with some of the injuries she’d sustained, but these were overshadowed by the numerous surprises that caught me off-guard. I love a thriller that keeps you wanting to read. This is the first of Ruth Ware’s books I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. If you too love a thriller that is impossible to put down until it’s finished, you will love Zero Days. Leigh, QLD, 5 Stars
A fantastic book. Filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement and suspense. I couldn’t put it down. Samara, QLD, 5 Stars
Zero Days by Ruth Ware is an engrossing, thrilling read about proving one’s innocence while finding the real perpetrator. It takes place in London, but due to the main character’s professions, also takes place in the dark e-world, a place I’m unfamiliar with and, based on this, very unlikely to ever visit. It has definitely opened up my eyes to things I never thought existed, happened or were capable of happening. I especially found the physical testing aspect and skills it created interesting, and I’m slightly in awe. While trying to prove her innocence, more mysteries begin to unfold, and these kept my interest going to the end. There were some twists and unexpected turns which made great reading and I did not like putting the book down. The book is very well written and easy to picture, making some of the occurrences a little too real and uncomfortable, especially the physical pain experienced. I definitely enjoyed the book and will be looking for more by this author. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars
Gripping from the very first page… I could not put it down! A plot-driven novel, but the characters all had their place and served the story well. Highly recommended to lovers of thrillers, but also to those new to the genre (like me). I will definitely be checking out Ruth Ware’s back catalogue. Her writing style was engaging, adrenalin pumping, but easy to follow. I could not turn the pages fast enough. Danae, TAS, 5 Stars
I can find Ruth Ware books a bit hit and miss but I loved this. The intrigue was spot on and the main character, Jack, was really well-written. Highly recommend. Donna, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Zero Days by Ruth Ware. From the very first page, we are introduced to Jack (Jacintha Cross) and her husband Gabe, both experienced in testing the strength of company security systems. While Jack is highly skilled in careful infiltration of buildings, Gabe is an experienced computer hacker testing cyber security. However, after a nail-biting nightly project, Jack returns home to find Gabe brutally murdered. Jack then finds herself distraught and is the number one suspect in Gabe’s murder. Running from the police, Jack is in a nightmare to free herself from these accusations. She is put to the test to find the killer and trust the people in her life. Although at times I was a little confused with some of the computer jargon, I found this novel to be filled with face-paced scenes that had me turning the pages from the get-go. I would highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves crime, mystery, and edge-of-your-seat scenes. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
Zero Days is the latest psychological thriller from internationally renowned author, Ruth Ware. With plot twists and a sense of urgency, we are carried along by the thrill of the chase and escape. Jacintha (Jack) and her husband Gabe run their own business conducting requested undercover missions inside corporations to assess their security. Jack is the physical infiltrator, with Gabe assisting in her earpiece by using technology to follow and anticipate Jack’s moves. After a usual mission is derailed by unexpected complications, Jack arrives home and finds her husband brutally murdered. Her nightmare is just beginning, as with a growing sense of horror, Jack realises the police are beginning to suspect her and are closing in. We are drawn in to her relationships with remaining family and husband Gabe’s best friend. She is so lucky to have family and friends to help; isn’t she? A book you need to keep reading to learn what happens next. How will Jack overcome the latest obstacle; would we be able to continue pushing through, seemingly against all the odds? Zero Days is compelling reading and another great story by Ruth Ware. An author to keep watch for future works. Merilyn, WA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this!! This book was a real thriller!! Your heart was racing just to see what happened next!! Jack comes home one night and finds her husband murdered and someone is framing her!! She is on the run to try and clear her name, but can she do it? If you love thrillers, this is a must-read!! This was my first book of Ruth’s and it definitely won’t be my last!! Highly recommended. Judy, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved consuming Zero Days. A real heart-on-your-sleeve thriller. “Jack” was used to living on the edge for work but nothing could prepare her for finding her husband murdered. It became apparent that the police had only one suspect – her. The evidence was overwhelming: she had been framed. But why? She had no choice but to run. She couldn’t find the real killer and clear her name if she was locked up. So begins a real cat and mouse chase. So many emotions, so little time. Who can she trust? She owes it to her late husband, even if it nearly kills her too. Helen, QLD, 5 Stars
Zero Days is a thriller which drew me in within the first few pages. The way in which we get to know the protagonist through her interactions with her loved ones all in the first chapter meant I was fully invested in what was happening to her and finding out why her husband was murdered. The author has a real talent for developing characters within a fast-paced plot. If I could, I would have read this book in one sitting. Loved it. Michelle, WA, 5 Stars
What a book! Kept me up late to read more, and such a great, likeable, strong female character. Determined to find her husband’s killer but also trying to stay alive while on the run when she finds herself the number one suspect. Lots of twists that hold your curiosity. One of those books that you don’t want to stop reading because you need to know how it will end but really you don’t want it to end. Tracey, VIC, 5 Stars
This adrenaline-fuelled thriller most definitely has the reader on the edge of their seat. Action-packed right till the last few pages. My heart ached for Jack and the many struggles she went through to clear her name. Rachael, NSW, 5 Stars
Great storyline. I like a good whodunnit, especially when you can’t guess it halfway through. This book was a good read from the start and the strong characters kept me interested. Gabe and Jack have very unusual careers so it makes for a rather different story and makes me wonder if it is a real career path – I suppose it probably is. I will look into more of Ruth’s books since reading this one. Very enjoyable. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
I found it hard to put this book down. It takes us into a world of computer hacking and security, then to murder. Jacinta Cross is accused of murdering her husband and the story takes us to the lengths she goes to to clear her name and find the real culprit. Very good read. Vivien, ACT, 5 Stars
The countdown is on: Jacintha, known as Jack, and husband Gabe are pen testers. They are an excellent team until tragedy strikes. Gabe is murdered and Jack is being framed for his murder. No spoilers from me but I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
A page-turning thriller with twists and turns you didn’t see coming. The reader was left with some questions left unanswered at the end but this added to the storytelling. Jan, NSW, 5 Stars
I love a good “on the run from police” storyline. It makes for a fantastic, fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat type experience and this book delivers on that well. *Naturally* the MC injures herself early on so that septic infection can be added to her challenges. I loved One by One, so I was looking forward to reading another Ware. I think hardcore fans will find this a bit of a departure, as it’s more thriller than mystery. In fact, I found the pace and thrill of the plot more engaging than the actual “mystery” per se. It has a quick and fun popcorn thriller vibe that I personally enjoy now and then. Obviously things are a bit dark in this one, with the main character grieving her beloved husband the whole book, but I assume you’re not reading a thriller for sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everywhere. I can’t say I was overly surprised by some of the twists and sometimes I felt like I was constantly a few steps ahead of the apparently intelligent MC, but the story was fast and fun enough for me to forgive it. I actually loved the way it wrapped up in the end. Overall, it was a great read for the zippy plot lover. An engaging and page-turning (if not overly memorable) rainy day or beach read. Emily, WA, 4 Stars
Well, well well. Ruth Ware has become an auto-read author for me, so I jumped at the opportunity to read and review Zero Days. Zero Days follows the story of Jack and her husband Gabe. They live a happy life together and work together as pen testers. They hack into companies’ systems to check they have good security. Gabe is the computer mastermind and Jack does the groundwork. The first few chapters had me on the edge of my seat when something awful happens. Jack walks into the home and finds Gabe has been murdered. Jack finds herself to be the number one suspect, and she goes on the run while hunting down the killer. Can she stay one step ahead of the police? Another Ruth Ware book I have enjoyed. This was a page-turner for me and I really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse aspect of the book. I recommend reading this one if you enjoy action-packed books with a fugitive on the run. Tracie, NSW, 4 Stars
Another captivating gem from master of suspense thrillers, Ruth Ware. Zero Days follows Jack as she navigates the murder of her husband, Gabe. Thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspect, Jack finds herself on the run in a desperate attempt to find her husband’s murderer and prove her innocence. This high-adrenaline, fast-paced read will leave you on the edge of your seat! Sarah, VIC, 4 Stars
Zero Days is not a book I would normally read. In the beginning, starting to read the book, I literally got into the book very early. This is about a lady arriving home from a job and finding her husband dead at home. The book is the story of “Jack” finding out who was behind her husband’s murder. There are a few twists and turns in her journey, and an unexpected surprise at the end. Overall, I quite enjoyed this book and would recommend to read it. Anna, TAS, 4 Stars
Zero Days is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you reading on well past bedtime. Jack and her husband Gabe are security experts for hire: she breaks into corporate offices and he then hacks their computers to expose and report on critical systemic weaknesses. Jack is arrested when a night job goes wrong, and once released she arrives home to find her beloved husband murdered. As the investigation proceeds, the police view Jack as their prime suspect, and it looks more and more as though Jack is being framed. She goes on the run, not caring for her own life after the death of her soulmate, but determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice. Jack is badly injured, learns she can trust no one, and finds the police seem able to track her every move. She must use all her ingenuity and professional skills to stay ahead of the police, to determine and find proof of the reason for Gabe’s murder and those responsible, and to stay alive. Zero Days is a compulsive read, and ultimately one is left wondering what is really safe in this age of technology. Fenella, NSW, 4 Stars
Zero Days is my first book by Ruth Ware and I was not disappointed! Like a fast-paced action movie, I was kept on the edge of my seat and was blown away by the twists. I look forward to reading more by Ruth Ware. Jaana, TAS, 4 Stars
Zero Days is a fast-paced thriller. We begin with Jack, who is undertaking a security penetration test with her husband – they are hired by companies to break into buildings and hack into their security systems. She breaks into the buildings, and he hacks the systems from the comfort of their home. However, when Jack eventually returns home, her husband has been savagely murdered. After initial police support, Jack becomes the prime suspect in the murder! We follow Jack as she goes on the run – her sole aim is to find out who murdered her much-loved husband. This strong, smart and highly skilled woman embarks on a difficult and dangerous mission. It all feels so realistic, believable, dramatic, and always keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed it and was rooting for Jack the whole way, willing her on!! An intense and action-packed story with a great ending. Debra, NSW, 4 Stars
Slow to warm up, but quickly turned into a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that I couldn’t put down! Laura, VIC, 4 Stars
A slow burn mystery that had me on the edge of my seat. Deborah, QLD, 4 Stars
Husband and wife team Jack and Gabe are pen testers hired by companies to test their security systems. When one assignment does not go to plan and Jack is arrested, she loses contact with Gabe. When Jack returns home, she finds Gabe dead. She quickly becomes the police’s primary suspect in Gabe’s murder. A game of cat and mouse then plays out as Jack tries to stay one step ahead of the police while seeking to prove her innocence and bring Gabe’s murderer to justice. Zero Days is a fast-paced read with plenty of twists along the way; you won’t want to put it down. Holly, WA, 4 Stars
A fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the start. I’m not normally a fan of the fugitives on the run trope, but this had me turning the pages to see what happened next. I have a problem with novels and films where the protagonist has an injury severe enough to see them in hospital in the real world, but still manage to run from police, climb fences, walls and jump from trains. However, I cared enough about the main character, Jack, and her struggle with grief while trying to find her husband’s murderer and prove her innocence. I loved the close bond and trust she has with her sister, too. I was on the edge of my seat at times and could see it being made into a film. An easy, enjoyable read. I’ll definitely read more by this author. Pamela, QLD, 4 Stars
Pacy, read in 2 days kind of thriller. I warmed up to the book after about the first 20%. Initially, I thought it was best suited to an under 30 reader and a bit glib but then… I was very engaged in the story. Hooked me in and was hard to put down. Suspend belief and immerse yourself in the intricacies of cybercrime with a strong female protagonist and you have a great weekend read. Would be keen to read more of Ruth Ware’s work down the track. Gillian, WA, 4 Stars
Had a cardiologist looked at my heart rate while reading this book, they would have been concerned. My adrenaline was pumping and my heart was racing from beginning to end. I was so invested in Jack’s story, following her adventures while on the run. When Jack finds her husband, Gabe, dead at home after work one evening, she is shocked to the core. She helps the detectives piece together her movements before she found him, thinking she is helping them find his killer. However, as the police continue to investigate, Jack realises, with some help from her sister, that she is considered the prime suspect in his death. She ends up on the run, trying to find answers to questions she doesn’t even know to ask. Using her experience as a penetration specialist and her intuition, Jack has to figure out what happened to her husband before she too ends up in serious danger. This was a fast-paced, thrilling read. It pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn’t wait to open it each night, waiting to find out what was going to happen next. I will definitely be reading another of Ruth’s books. Priscilla, ACT, 4 Stars
Ruth Ware titled her adrenaline-fuelled thriller Zero Days, and it took me zero days to read. I couldn’t put it down until Jack was safe from the short-sighted police who wanted to charge her with murder! How dare they! I have long loved the crime TV genre but have not read much of the crime novel genre. This book reinforced the adage that the book is always better than the film version (even Vera, and she is the best). Jack’s desperation and drive to pursue the who and why is very real! Clues were subtle with various motives presenting themselves to be tested. I have rated this book four stars and highly recommend it, a very enjoyable read. Sallie, QLD, 4 Stars
Zero Days is a fast-paced murder mystery. Based around techno stuff, I wondered whether I would enjoy it – but I did. Jack and her husband Gabe are ‘pen’ testers – a job I had never heard of, which fascinated me. I think the part of the book I struggled with was the constant references to Jack’s pain. How many different ways can it be described!! And if it was that bad, how did she keep going? By the end, I found that aspect a bit unbelievable. Overall, this book kept me very interested and I enjoyed a different genre to my usual. Steph, NSW, 4 Stars
This was a great, fast-paced thriller that was hard to put down! I was invested in Jack’s story from the get-go and admired her dogged determination to find the killer despite her grief and injury. I found a couple of the details a bit repetitive. I also didn’t find Helen’s character truly believable in her support role. However, I did like the portrayal of human kindness, and actually just how many people were willing to help her. I liked the writing style, as well as the use of Gabe’s voice as encouragement to keep going. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely be looking up more of her books! Laura, NSW, 4 Stars
This is an adrenaline-charged, tightly packed novel, with a count down to ‘zero days’ that really matters. Lives depend on it and already a life has been lost. The first to die is Jack’s husband Gabe, in the most dreadful way possible. When she comes home from a job and finds him dead, in what has been staged to look like a professional hit, suspicion has been carefully curated for the police to consider her as the prime suspect. The only suspect. This is even before Jack works out what is going on. Grieving and desperately injured, with accounts, computers, phones and money shut down, Jack goes on the most incredible race against time to right the wrongs of all this. The story twists and turns and changes again and again as it reaches right around the world. What a fantastic, gripping, ‘on-the-run’ novel this is, such a compelling read! I couldn’t put it down. Wow, Ruth Ware. Malvina, NSW, 4 Stars
This is an absolutely cracking read. One of those books I couldn’t put down and read in two sittings. A couple of the plot twists were a little predictable, but even so, that didn’t detract from the book at all. The narrative was fast-paced and well-written, with the protagonist someone you were cheering for. Wendi, VIC, 4 Stars
Ruth Ware’s Zero Days reminded me of The Fugitive only with a female fugitive in modern security-controlled London. It’s interesting, contemporary, intriguing and suspenseful. Jacintha aka Jack, framed for her husband Gabe’s murder, is on the run with no money, no shelter and no plan. Jack’s one focus is to find the real killer even if it kills her. Using all her skills as a penetration specialist, knowledge of her husband’s hacking skills, faith in her abilities and sheer grit she tries to keep one step ahead of the police. The advantages and pitfalls of modern technology give an added dimension to the chase. At times I found Jack’s almost superhuman abilities and adrenaline-fuelled encounters a bit too good to be true. However, on reflection, that may be because rather than a male James Bond figure it was a vulnerable female protagonist facing these challenges. I liked the change and the twists at the end. The few support characters, Hel, Malik, Cole and the memory of Gabe were minimal, discreet and well-placed. If you enjoy a page-turning cat-and-mouse style read to escape into for a few hours, I recommend reading Zero Days. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
Zero Days was not what I expected. A wonderful thriller, it had me at the point where I could not put it down. And once I did finish it, I decided I should really look into the tech security on my phone and laptop. Even if you aren’t across technology and the ins and outs of apps and security, you will still enjoy this book. Alice, NSW, 4 Stars
Right from page one, this is a fast-paced thriller that barely takes a break or a breath! The world of IT is centre stage but you don’t need to be an expert to follow the intrigue and the money of big business. Jack goes on the run and uses ingenuity and intelligence to keep a step ahead of the chase. Her struggles through injury and personal pain are very real and raw; you feel her pain. The author really gets you close to her, you are there by her side as she inches closer and closer to the truth. This is one of those stay up late, one-night reads that is hard to put down! Caroline, NSW, 4 Stars
Zero Days is about Jack and her husband, Gabe, who run a company that tests security vulnerabilities in other companies. Following a failed assignment, Jack arrives home to find her husband has been murdered. Jack becomes the number one suspect and goes on the run to find the true murderer and clear her name. Ware counts down from minus eight days until zero days, ostensibly the amount of time for Jack to solve the crime or be captured. But the term ‘Zero Days’ also has another meaning in the I.T. industry. This refers to a vulnerability in computer software that can be exploited by hackers until it is rectified. I quite enjoyed the ride and found it an easy read. Tracy, VIC, 3 Stars
I will preface my review by saying that Ruth Ware’s books have been a bit hit or miss for me in the past. I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I liked how it was up to Jack to solve the mystery/murder/conspiracy herself, and initially I also really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse action. However, where I lost my interest is that the book began to read as though it was an American action movie and was quite repetitive in parts. There seemed to be a fair amount of ‘filler’ elements/details which I admit led me to skimming sections of the book. Despite these comments, I definitely enjoyed elements of the book, but as a whole it wasn’t ‘outstanding’. Aotea, QLD, 3 Stars
Jack Cross’ husband, Gabe, has been murdered and she is being framed for his murder. What ensues is a cat-and-mouse chase, with Jack on the run from police while attempting to uncover who killed Gabe. Not my favourite novel from Ruth Ware as I found the constant chase to be quite dull. I wanted so much to enjoy this novel but it missed its mark as a thriller. Nektaria, VIC, 3 Stars
A bingeable and action-packed thriller, I devoured this in a day! It was exactly the kind of slightly ridiculous but engrossing read I needed. There are plenty of points in the plot that were pretty unbelievable, and the endless cat-and-mouse chase does grow a bit thin after a while. But overall, I found it a compelling read and it’d be great to take to the beach or on a holiday and simply dive in and go along for the ride. I haven’t read any of Ruth Ware’s other books but I’d definitely consider them in the future when I’m looking for a quick, edge-of-your-seat thriller! Katrina, TAS, 3 Stars
Zero Days had the potential to be a gripping, action-packed thriller, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The first 60 pages showed promise, but after that, the story lost its momentum, leaving me with a sense of dragging on until the end. Regrettably, I don’t have many substantial thoughts on this book. It lacked the depth and characterisation needed to keep me fully engaged. Jack, the protagonist, remained mostly undefined, aside from her profession, making it difficult to connect with her on a deeper level. Despite my disappointment with Zero Days, I am still willing to give the author’s other works a chance, as I have enjoyed a few of her earlier books. Lisa, QLD, 2 Stars
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